About the Owner, Orna Bennett

Even as a child I loved fabrics and wanted to create original designs. At first I was self-taught, having rejected sewing subjects in high school, because they were boring!

Finally I had the chance to study dressmaking at what was then called the Darwin Community College. When I was introduced to machine embroidery and appliqué techniques I realized I had found my niche and a way to create my dreams. After completing my studies, I worked from home as a dressmaker / designer and took part in exhibitions and parades for a number of years.

Around this time, I also found that I really enjoyed teaching and helping others learn new skills. Originally I started working with groups of adults and children in community programs, introducing them to machine embroidery, appliqué and fabric painting, which soon led to a job at the Darwin Institute of Technology teaching TAFE students dressmaking and clothing industry skills. This is the career path that I followed for the past 14 years, eventually resulting in a position as Head of School of Art & Design at Charles Darwin University.

But eventually the "need" to play with fabric and do something more creative took over again,which led me to take the huge step of opening my own fabric shop, called "The Sewing Room". I still get a buzz out of inspiring others to discover and develop their talents, so classes will be a major focus of activities in my shop. This web site is another way I can reach more people and spread the word.